By Anika Bourley Parliamentary Correspondent

Last updated at 12:34, Thursday, 05 February 2009

Train bosses were last night forced by a Cumbrian MP into admitting they were wrong to hike up prices from Carlisle.

Carlisle MP Eric Martlew and member of the Commons Transport Select Committee secured the admission as he grilled train bosses in Westminster

Mr Martlew told MPs how fares from Carlisle to Birmingham had increased from £71 to £124 if passengers wanted to arrive before 10.30am and the fare to Liverpool went up from £40 to £70.

Mr Martlew hit out at the commercial director of Virgin Trains, Graham Leech, over the increased fares and restriction as train bosses were hauled before the committee as part of its inquiry into rail fares and franchises.

He said: “So you accept that these figures I have given you are correct, that you restricted the travel and almost doubled the cost of these fares. Are you saying now that you got it wrong? You are agreeing with me the fare from Carlisle to Birmingham went up from £71 to £124.”

Mr Leech said he was aware that concerns had been raised about restrictions and pricing after feedback from front line staff.

He conceded: “In hindsight, in that particular case, we think it is right to make some changes. Yes, I am willing to make changes.”

First published at 11:31, Thursday, 05 February 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk